Social Media Marketing and Retail

Social Media Marketing and Retail

 

Does social media marketing help businesses attract and retain customers?  According to a recent survey from Deloitte, it has a major affect on almost half of people shopping.

Social Media Marketing and Retail | Deloitte survey

Four out of 10 US consumers are interacting with retailers through social networking sites to find out about promotions, browse products, or review recommendations, according to a recent survey from Deloitte.  The 2011 Spring Consumer Pulse Surveyalso found that 42pc of respondents with smartphones (32pc of the overall sample of 1,050) have used their devices to assist in their shopping when they’re in a store. Some 37pc of smartphone owners said they wanted to use their device inside a store but couldn’t because of access or connectivity issues.  More than half (56pc) of survey respondents aged 45 and older said they search more online to find the best product or price, and more than one-quarter (29pc) said they connect with retailers via social networking sites.  While 31pc of consumers surveyed under the age of 45 said they expect their favourite retailers to provide them with access to information through applications, social media, or mobile alerts, 17pc of respondents aged 45 or older expect retailers to do so.  http://www.businessandleadership.com/marketing/item/29610-40pc-of-us-shoppers/

Social Media Marketing and Retail | What does this mean?

Having a social media presence has become a great way for larger, retail businesses to not only attract new customers, but create loyal customers.  As the survey reports, 1 out of 3 consumers expect their favorite stores to provide them with special deals through social media marketing sites, and this percentage is only going to get higher.  If you have a business, product, or service, you cannot afford to not focus on a social media marketing plan.  Using these types of social media marketing sites, like Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube, to promote quality information, coupons, or reviews is an inexpensive way to get your message out to the masses.

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